Local News
$2 movies: Midway Cinema announces Family Summer Series in Chehalis 
Midway Cinema in Chehalis has announced this year’s Family Summer Series.  From June 22 through Aug. 14, the cinema will show two family-friendly movies at 10 a.m. every Saturday and …
Longview man injured after suffering medical emergency, crashing in Lewis County
A 73-year-old Longview man suffered a medical event and crashed his vehicle near Interstate 5 in Lewis County on Friday afternoon, according to the Washington State Patrol.  Robert G. Jones …
Oakville man injured in Thurston County crash 
A 74-year-old Oakville man was injured in a crash that occurred at about 8:50 a.m. Sunday on U.S. Highway 101 in Thurston County, according to the Washington State Patrol.  Richard L. …
Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders chases DUI suspect on highway, through woods and into a pond
Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders joined local law enforcement this weekend in chasing a suspect over the highway and through the woods — and into a pond. Sanders wrote on Facebook …
Missing California man found dead in Cowlitz County river
The Kelso Police Department has confirmed that the body found in the Coweeman River Saturday afternoon belongs to the missing Californian who was in the area for work. According to a post on the …
Man suspected of attempted murder arrested in Grays Harbor County after chase
A 32-year-old Spanaway man who is wanted in Pierce County for attempted murder tried to elude Grays Harbor County deputies to avoid arrest, authorities say. A Grays Harbor County sheriff's …
Centralia approves 189-lot housing project near Seminary Hill
Following more than an hour and a half of discussion Tuesday, including around 50 minutes of public comment mostly in opposition, the Centralia City Council approved plans for the Woodland Glen …
Former Morton employee files lawsuit against city, former mayor and former police chief for alleged sexual harassment
A lawsuit filed by a former employee against the City of Morton, former Morton Mayor Dan Mortensen and disgraced former Morton Police Chief Roger Morningstar over alleged sexual harassment in the …
Sirens: Paramedics revive woman who overdosed; caller says 'no one listens to him because he’s a man'; kittens abandoned; teen daughter slaps father
CENTRALIA POLICE DEPARTMENT Vehicle theft • A blue 2015 Ford F-150 with the Washington license plate C07380K was reported stolen from the 1200 block of Mellen Street just after 9:35 …
Death notices: May 17, 2024
• ANTHONY F. BOONE, 34, Chehalis, died May 8 in Portland, Oregon. A viewing will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 18, at Cattermole Funeral Home, 203 NW Kerron St., Winlock. A celebration …
Toledo man injured in three-vehicle crash on Interstate 5 near Toutle River Rest Area on Thursday
A 40-year-old Toledo man was transported to a hospital following a three-vehicle crash on southbound Interstate 5 near the Toutle River Rest Area in Cowlitz County early Thursday morning.  …
Brian Mittge: It’s the perfect time for a walkabout
What happens when you walk a route that you’ve driven for decades? You see your world in a new and better way.  I recently set out on such a trek, strolling from Stan Hedwall Park in …
Man accused of having meth in his sock at Lewis County Jail claims it was horse vitamins
A man arrested while a Lewis County Sheriff’s Office deputy was investigating a horse abuse case in Silver Creek on Wednesday is accused of bringing meth into the Lewis County Jail. Winton …
Chehalis School Board President Alan Browning to resign, district announces
At its regular meeting on Tuesday, May 21, the Chehalis School District Board of Directors is expected to vote to accept the resignation of Board President Alan Browning, the district announced …
Funeral set for recently identified Centralia U.S. Army Sergeant who died after Bataan Death March
On Thursday, May 23, the remains of U.S. Army Sergeant George F. Bishop will finally be laid to rest at Claquato Cemetery. He died on July 28, 1942, according to a U.S Army Human Resources …
Local Sports
2024 All-League Pacific 2B All-League Baseball Teams
Pe Ell-Willapa Valley was well-represented in the all-P2BL teams, as five Titans earned recognition. Liam Smaciarz and Connor Keeton both earned first-team honors, while Lucas Lusk was named to …
Pirates hit four home runs, top Spartans for district title
The Pirates are back on top of District 4. Adna claimed the District 4 Championship for the second time in three seasons on Saturday, topping Forks 10-7 in the district title game. “I …
Adna overcomes slow start to return to Ephrata
Adna’s state tournament run was nearly over as soon as it began. After just half an inning into its state quarterfinal against Northwest Christian, the Pirates were facing a 6-0 deficit. …
State Baseball: Tenino reaches 1A semifinals for first time this decade
Fueled by the 1-2 punch of Kellan Knox and Jack Burkhardt on the mound, the Beavers stand as one of the last four teams remaining in Class 1A with a 3-0 triumph over Lakeside (9 mile) and cruising …
Tigers let late lead slip in season-ending loss to Panthers
Everything was looking up for Napavine. After five innings, the Tigers led by five, and they were just six outs away from a trip to Ephrata and the 2B Final Four. Instead, it all came …

Chronicle Podcast

  • News Dump Ep. 187: The boy who cried ‘I could take that wolf’
  • News Dump Ep. 186: More like defiling week
  • News Dump Ep. 185: Getting to the chopper with Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders
Obituaries

In loving memory of Anthony Boone: March 13, 1990 - May 9, 2024

With heavy hearts and deep sorrow our son and brother was called by the Lord. Anthony Franklin Boone was born in Auburn, Washington. He spent his formative years in Morton, Washington.  He …

In loving memory of Denise Macomber: 1957-2024

Denise Mahealani (Wasson) Macomber passed from this earth into the arms of her Savior and her faith was made sight on April 16, 2024, in Chehalis, Washington, at the age of 66.  She was …

In loving memory of Loretta “Olsen” Schindler: 1934-2023

Loretta "Olsen" Schindler, 89, passed away Dec. 23, 2023, at Chehalis West.  She was born July 14, 1934, to Albert and Hazle Olsen of Ethel, Washington. Loretta was an avid quilter and …

In loving memory of Robert Eugene Schilt: 1945-2024

Robert Eugene Schilt, 78, passed away on April 19, 2024, in Rainier, Washington. He was born Dec. 12, 1945, to Eugene and Catherine (Anvik) Schilt in Centralia, Washington, and attended Centralia …

In loving memory of Katherine “Gail” Magnuson: 1941-2024

On May 4, 2024, Gail Magnuson — wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend — passed away peacefully at the age of 82 at Sharon Care Nursing Home in Centralia, Washington. We wish to thank …

In loving memory of Lester Watts: 1943-2024

Lester Wayne Watts went home to meet Jesus at the age of 80. Lester passed away at Centralia Providence Hospital on May 13, surrounded by family.  He enjoyed reading the Bible, spending …
State & Regional News

Rare deep-sea fish washes up on Oregon Coast

It always pays to keep one eye on the ocean and one eye on the sand when you’re walking along the beach at the Oregon Coast, a lesson reinforced by some Cannon Beach beachcombers who discovered …

Schools
Rochester eighth grader wins local, district and state VFW Patriot’s Pen essay contest
Each year, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) holds essay contests for middle and high school students. The contests offer cash prizes and scholarship opportunities, with different essay themes each …
Centralia College and partners host three-day energy and STEM academy in June
High school students are invited to participate in Lewis County’s first Southwest Washington Energy/STEM Academy supported by the Foundation for Water and Energy Education (FWEE) June 25-27. …
Lewis County Parent to Parent engages Onalaska elementary students with presentation on autism
Recently, Lewis County Parent to Parent Coordinator Shawna Haller and Cassandra Whitaker presented to several classes at Onalaska Elementary School on the topic of autism in order to educate, raise …
‘Out of Towners’: Rochester High School’s spring musical highlights graduating seniors 
With nearly half of its theater students graduating this year, Rochester High School is using its spring production, “Out of Towners,” to highlight the drama program’s past …
Centralia High School inducts 31 students into National Honor Society 
Centralia High School inducted 31 students into the National Honor Society on Tuesday, May 7.  To be eligible for membership in the National Honor Society, students must be in grades 10 to …
Commentary

Sen. John Braun: Campus protests call for decisive leadership

During the first half of May, administrators at the University of Washington patiently negotiated with pro-Hamas protesters about voluntarily dismantling their illegal encampment at the center of the …

Julie McDonald: September weekend features writers’ conference and AAUW fundraiser

I missed perhaps a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to view the Northern Lights from my backyard on Friday night, but I certainly enjoyed seeing all the gorgeous photos posted online. My friend …

Richard Stride commentary: This month and always, pay attention to the state of your mental health

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so let's talk about this important topic. We all know problems in our lives can cause anxiety. Those problems can be relationship issues, pressure at work …

John McCroskey: College students throw tantrums as some call for ludicrous loan forgiveness

Watching the past few weeks on college campuses has really been inspiring.  Seeing so many young adults acting like tantrum-throwing children just makes you proud, doesn’t it? And our …

John Braun: Slam the door on Democrats and their anti-Hispanic grab for more power

With candidate filing week now behind us, the 2024 election season is in full swing. Democrat leaders in our state are no doubt looking ahead to the August primary and November general election …
Outdoors
Outdoors
Missed the aurora borealis? Watch for these upcoming celestial sights
Like a thief in the night, the aurora borealis arrived suddenly — and seemingly unannounced, if you weren't paying close attention — across the upper half of the globe this past weekend. …
In focus: Anglers flock to Toledo Lions Club’s annual Jim & Penny Lancaster Kids Fishing Derby
Here are some scenes from the Toledo Lions Club’s annual Jim & Penny Lancaster Kids Fishing Derby at South Lewis County Park Pond — also known as Wallace Pond — in Toledo on …
Endangered American red wolf from Wolf Haven in Tenino released into the wild, produces pups
An endangered wolf born at the Wolf Haven International in Tenino has been released into the wild and produced a litter of pups, according to a news release from the sanctuary. In October 2023, …